Monday, July 16, 2012

Summer makeup


Putting my Mac's Woodwinked eyeshadow to work, it gives a bronze sheen to the lids and it looks best during the summer with tanned skin. Most days though, I go without anything on my eyes but winged liner and mascara. Prestige My Blackest Lashes will always be my favorite. Thanks to my current skincare routine (namely ANR), my complexion has evened out and blemishes are fading- its a pretty good feeling to not need foundation.
Did I mention? I love Origins Vitazing ! It really adds a healthy color, even out, moisturize, and protect my face. To add brightness under the eyes, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in Peach is perfect for the job- lightweight and crease-resistant. Top it off, Mac mineralize skinfinish in Medium Plus brushed just down the center of my face takes away unwanted shine and dewiness from the moisturizer but leaves glowy skin all around.
Taking precautions of course, naturally sun-kissed skin is the best thing about the summer time. No need to add color with blush or bronzer!
I can't get enough of this delicious gloss, Sephora's lip gloss in Beige Craze. It's moisturizing and creamy with no shimmer at all. The color is a perfect pinky-nude. Smells and taste yummy!
And there you have it- light, summer makeup with no effort at all!

{Bronzey lids}
{Happy face!}

xx, A.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

{8} Things I'd like to try

This is a little bit materialistic for my needs right now, but I'm premeditating my birthday shopping trip to Sephora in about a month or so. I probably wouldn't be able to get them all, so this will have to do- it makes me happy seeing them together. I've heard a lot about each of these things and am itching to try every one of them. What's on your list to try?


(1). Estee Lauder Time Zone Anti-line/Wrinkle eye cream . I recently repurchased my beloved Estee Lauder ANR, and was given a 1 day sample of this eye cream. I'd like to try the full size and see if I could love it like I do ANR.
(2). Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in tipsy. I swatched this bright beautiful coral color in stores and it is as lovely as it is hyped up to be.
(3). Fresh Sugar lip treatment.
(4). Buxom Big&Healthy lip cream in Creamsicle. Mmm more coral pink deliciousness!
(5). Origins A perfect World SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer BB. I love Origins Vitazing, could I love this too?
(6). Bumble and Bumble Sunday shampoo.
(7). Lush Cosmetic Warrior mask in hopes to cure my problematic break out prone skin. Ingredients like garlic and tea tree oil sounds like this could be up for the job.
(8). Amazing Cosmetics concealer .

Friday, July 13, 2012

Essie Escapades and bling


Essie Escapades is one of my most used polishes. It is a medium toned, slightly less bright than a tomato red color with a jelly, creme finish. I keep coming back to this because it is 1) long lasting and chip-resistant 2) looks good whether I have lighter or tanned skin 2) love it equally as much on the hands as on the toes 3) one to two coats is more than opaque and 4) applies like a dream.
I thought I'd bling it up for something different than my usual wear. For this, I used Milani's Jewel Fix in Gold on the ring finger. I've done the same bling routine to other colors and it looks especially chic with a nude, french manicure colored polish like Rimmel's French Manicure in 130 French Lingerie. Give this a try if you want to bling up your most used polishes for something a little extra.
Or if you want something sparkly to look at on your ring finger ;)


xx, A.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Casual


The good thing about summer is that the sun sets late into the evening. After the movies, it was still bright out and we sat outside to relax in the comforting and well-welcomed cool air before meeting up for dinner. Its been so hot during the day that I honestly neglect carrying anything heavy, and that includes my camera. The evening felt so comfortable that I didn't mind posing for a few shots. Oh and talking about comfort, I can practically live in this GAP T-shirt- it feels super soft and worn in, with the perfect v-neck cut and looseness. Nothing more casual & comfortable than a tee and shorts, eh? I will have to show you my new black sandals in more detail later on, I absolutely love them! It seriously goes with every outfit.


xx, A.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Heeey summer.

{Bright arm candy- bracelets from Target}

{Farmer's market- already had way over my share of watermelons this summer}

{Florals and white cutoffs- this never goes wrong}

{The famous raunchy beach read- Fifty Shades of Grey}

{Perfect all white suit- bandeau top & crochet bottoms from Victoria's Secret}


It's my last lazy&carefree summer before starting a busy year ahead. I might just drive myself crazy by trying to savoring every moment of sweet freedom. It'll be bittersweet leaving home to a new city all alone. At the same time, I'm excited to have my own space for the first time in my life. Apartment interior design ideas are piled high and I think I need to start Pintrest to organize.
xx, A.

Monday, June 25, 2012

Laidback summer hair



I was inspired by this hair tutorial and tweeked it a bit to make this my quick fix to unwashed hair or a bad hair day. Instead of having my hair in a bun, I left my hair out and added some extra curls with a flat iron and pinned it all to the side opposite the braid. The combo of beachy waves and braids are too cute and perfect for summer. It is surprisingly easy to do. No awkward twists or turns of the arm and no soreness for holding onto the braids for a massive periods time. Of course, the lovely and beautiful Bethany did it 10x better than I, so check it out and hope you'll try it too!

It has been extremely hot this past week, almost reaching up to 100 degrees F. I've been a lazy bear and done nothing but lounge around pools and beaches. Ahh, sweet summer sun. I must confess that I started reading 50 Shades of Grey out of curiosity, and guilty pleasure much? Its shocking to read, but I can't seem to turn away. I'm a little more than half-way through it and am deciding if I shall continue on to books 2 and 3. It'll be the first trilogy I will read. Any one else read the whole trilogy? Love or hate?